Reconfigurable signal distribution system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a modular distribution system having central distribution panel for receiving a plurality of services at an input and having a plurality of outputs each connected to an outlet at a remote location. A central region is provided in the central distribution panel having a plurality of module receiving connectors each having a first portion connected to the input and a second portion connected to one of the plurality of outlets. A plurality of modules are each separately connectable to a respective module receiving connector and configured to bridge a selected service from the first portion of the module receiving connector to the second portion of the module receiving connector.

This is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/796,963, filedMar. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,791,213.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to a signal distribution system, and moreparticularly to a reconfigurable distribution system for distributingmultiple services into a premises to a plurality of locations within thepremises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Homes and other buildings are currently being constructed with the useof structured wiring systems wherein a structured wiring network isconfigured to distribute a plurality of services coming into thepremises such as telephone, audio, television, data, satellite and otherservices throughout the premises. These services typically enter thepremises at a central location such as through an outside wall into thebasement or a wiring closet. Through the use of one or several centraldistribution channels, the signals are divided and distributed to thedesired rooms within the premises. A typical structured wiring system isshown schematically in FIG. 1. In this system, video, audio, telephone,data, cable TV and any other desired services are fed into the centraldistribution box 10 from outside or inside the premises. Within thecentral distribution box 10, panels are typically utilized for dividingthese incoming services into subsets for distribution to various rooms12, 14, 16 within the premises. The distribution to each room isaccomplished through a structured wiring network consisting of thevariety of cables selected form the set of unshielded twisted pair,shielded twisted pair, RG6 coaxial cable, optical fibers, or otherconductors. For example, video may be distributed from the centraldistribution box 10 to the master bedroom 16, over an RG6 coaxial cable20. Likewise, a video source such as a security camera or video cassetterecorder may feed signals from a room such as the master bedroom 16 tothe central distribution box 10 over an RG6 coaxial cable 30 fordistribution out of the central distribution box 10 to other rooms 12,14. Likewise, an audio source may be fed from any room 12, 14, 16 to thecentral distribution box over a two pair copper conductor 22 for furtherdistribution into all rooms of the premises. Telephone services may bedistributed over unshielded twisted pair cable 24 from the centraldistribution box 10 to the master bedroom 16 or any other room in thehouse. Likewise, data may be transmitted over suitable cables such as anunshielded twisted pair, shielded twisted pair, coaxial cable, or afiber optic cable 26 from the central distribution box 10 to any room inthe premises such as the master bedroom 16.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,130,893 and 5,327,114 disclose a signal distributionsystem which provides one location for telephone/audio and video serviceentrance and distribution throughout a home. Enclosures are provided fora distribution center capable of distributing power along with theseservices. The distribution center has terminations for services enteringthe facility, connectors coupled to the distribution network eachconnecting a respective outlet within the home to the distributioncenter, and a programming card for directing selected services toselected connectors coupled to the distribution network. Thedistribution network as shown in the prior art of FIG. 1 includescoaxial or twisted pair cable designed to deliver the services to eachwall termination within rooms of the home.

Several problems exist with these patents and a currentstate-of-the-art. First, these structured wiring systems are generallyterminated utilizing insulation displacement contact (IDC) typetermination within the central distribution box and similar electricalconnectors within each wall outlet in the rooms of the premises. Thisarrangement essentially creates a hardwired semi-permanentinterconnection system for the network. In order to reconfigure thenetwork to provide a change in which service will be directed to whichoutlet of the premises, re-termination at the central distribution boxand/or within each room is required and possibly new wiring may berequired. Although a signal distribution system as disclosed in theabove-referenced patents does provide a programming card utilized fordirecting selected inputs to selected outputs within the centraldistribution box, it is limited to the distribution of video or voiceservices. The flexibility of that system is also limited in that theprogramming card may be preprogrammed for a desired input to outputrelationship for the entire set of outputs or may consist of analternate programming card which allows some variability in selectinginput to output relationships. In either of the programming cardembodiments, the user must either select from a previously programmedarrangement or require technical assistance in creating a separateprogrammed input to output relationship.

What is needed is a distribution system that would allow for a transferof data services through a hub or other suitable data distributiondevice, in addition to the transfer of video, voice, satellitetransmissions or any other service. Additionally, it is desirable tohave a system whereby a user can simply reconfigure the input outputrelationship without further technical assistance.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a modulardistribution system having central distribution panel for receiving aplurality of services at an input and having a plurality of outputs eachconnected to an outlet at a remote location. A central region isprovided in the central distribution panel having a plurality of modulereceiving connectors each having a first portion connected to the inputand a second portion connected to one of the plurality of outlets. Aplurality of modules are each separately connectable to a respectivemodule receiving connector and configured to bridge a selected servicefrom the first portion of the module receiving connector to the secondportion of the module receiving connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying figures of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art structured wiring distributionsystem.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the distribution panel accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are three-dimensional views of the data module accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the wiring of the distributionpanel shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the video distribution panelaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of the distribution system includingthe panels of FIGS. 2 and 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be now be described in greater detail first withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The system of the present invention utilizesa structured wiring system as shown in FIG. 1 and described above. Thissystem typically features a structured wiring network connected to acentral distribution box 10 which receives a plurality of services intoa premises and distributes selected services to selected rooms withinthe premises. These services may include but are not limited to video,audio, voice, data, firewall or smart device control. Additionally,these services may enter the premises over a variety of media such asany electrical conductor, optical conductor or over a wirelesscommunication link. Turning now to FIG. 2, a distribution panel 40 foruse in the central distribution box 10 and/or other suitable enclosureis shown. The distribution panel 40 may be formed of a molding materialor a suitable substrate such as a printed circuit board for carryingelectrical signals. This distribution panel 40 is configured to receivethe plurality of services at a first input connector 44 or a secondinput connector 42. The first input connector 44 provides insulationdisplacement contact (IDC) terminations while the second input connector42 provides modular Jack type terminations. In the event that a serviceis provided on a non-electrical media such as optical or wireless, atransducer is utilized to convert the service to an electrical inputsignal for connection to one of the input connectors 42, 44. The inputservices provided to each of these input connectors 44, 42 areelectrically connected to module connectors 45, 52, 54 positioned withina central region 53. Each module connector 44, 52, 54 is alsoelectrically connected to a respective output connector 46, 48, 50.Alternatively, any one of the output connectors 46, 48, 50 could be usedas an input for a service. In this arrangement, an input module would beplaced in a respective module receiving section 47, 49, 51 which will bedescribed in greater detail below.

The central region 53 provides securing means for properly positioningmodules 70,80,90. The securing means preferably includes a projection 64formed in a first wall and a shoulder 67 formed in a second wallopposite the first wall. It should be understood however by thosereasonably skilled in the art that other securing features would besuitable to form the securing means. Each module connector 44, 52, 54 ispositioned between the projection 64 and the shoulder 67. It should beunderstood by those reasonably skilled in the art that while the modulereceiving sections are labeled as 47,49,51 and the corresponding moduleconnectors are labeled as 45, 52, 54, the number and arrangement ofthese components may vary depending upon the requirements of aparticular application. It should also be noted that for each modulereceiving section, there is a corresponding module connector and outputconnector. For example, the module receiving section 47 corresponds withthe module connector 45 and the output connector 46. Likewise, themodule receiving section 49 corresponds with the module connector 52 andthe output connector 48. This relationship and arrangement similarlyapplies to each of the remaining module receiving sections, moduleconnectors, and output connectors. The electrical connections betweenthese components will be described in greater detail below. A pluralityof tie receiving bosses 62 are also provided opposite each outputconnector 46, 48, 50. Alternatively, any suitable fastening device suchas a lug or opening for a tie may be utilized in place of the tiereceiving boss 62. Mounting openings 60 are provided along edges of thedistribution panel 40. A distribution connector 57 is electricallyconnected to the first and second input connectors 42, 44 and ispositioned near the central region 53. A power connector may optionallybe provided to power active components housed within selected modules.Power from this connector is distributed into the central region forconnection to selected modules.

Each module 70, 80, 90 will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring first to FIG. 3, a data linemodule 70 is shown. This data line module 70 has a circuit board 74positioned within a housing 78. The housing 78 features a pair of latchprojections 77 protruding from the bottom surface 71 near the circuitboard 74 and a latch 79 extending upward from the bottom surface 71upward toward the front face 75 on one side. A mating connector 72extends outward from and is positioned on the circuit board 74. Aplurality of contact receiving cavities 76 are provided in the matingconnector 72. It should be understood by those reasonably skilled in theart that although the mating connector 72 shown here is a femaleconnector having contact receiving cavities 76 aligned in two rows,other suitable electrical connectors may be positioned along the circuitboard 74 for providing the same electrical connection function. Alongthe front face 75, a receptacle connector 73 is disposed. The receptacleconnector 73 is preferably a modular jack receptacle, however it shouldbe understood by those reasonably skilled in the art that otherreceptacle connector arrangements are possible along the front face 75.This module 70 is electrically configured to pass data signals from thefirst input connector 42 through the module connector 45, through themating connector 72, to the receptacle 73. An alternate data line module70 may incorporate an optoelectronic transducer whereby electricalsignals are received by the mating connector 72 as an input to theoptoelectronic transducer. The optoelectronic transducer has an opticaloutput which is provided to a suitable optical connector which wouldreplace the receptacle 73. This alternate data line module would providefiber out to a selected distribution device located near thedistribution panel 40 or to a selected room in the premises.

The telephone line module 80 is shown in FIG. 2 and features the samelatch projections 77 and latch 79 arrangement for securing the modulewithin a module receiving section 47, 49, 51. The telephone line module80 is configured to pass a selected telephone line from the inputconnectors 44, 42 through a selected module connector 45, 52, 54 to aselected output connector 46, 48, 50. It should be understood by thosereasonably skilled in the art that the telephone line module 80 may beadaptable to pass any one of the incoming telephone lines to theselected output connector 46, 48, 50.

The video module 90 is also shown in FIG. 2 and features the same latchprojections 77 and latch 79 arrangement for securing the module 90within a module receiving section 47,49, 51. The video module 90 isconfigured like the data line module 70 to pass a selected video linefrom the input connector 44 through a module connector 45, 52, 54,through the mating connector 72 and then through electrical connectors92 positioned on the front face 94 of the module 90. These electricalconnectors 92 are preferably RCA jack type connectors however, othersuitable connectors for passing video signals could alternatively beutilized on the front face 94 of the video module 90. The video moduleis configured to convert and/or transmit video signals and therefore mayinclude active components comprising tuner circuits, filtering circuits,or other video circuits. Each of the modules 70, 80, 90 also contains alight indicator which is powered when the module is correctly insertedand fully seated on it's respective module connector 46, 48, 50. Aplurality of light indicators are also present in the central region toindicate that a respective module receiving section 47, 49, 51 is empty.This indicator is covered when a module is inserted and powered.

While modules have been described above for passing data, voice, orvideo signals, a module similar to the video module 90 may be providedfor passing audio signals. Alternatively, a combination module may beprovided for passing multiple services such as, video and voice ortelephone. The combination module may provide the combined services overa single line to a room. Within the room a splitter is provided todivide the combined services for example video and audio. Such acombined signal may also be provided across a hybrid communicationsmedium such as a cable containing both electrical and optical conductorsin which case a splitter may not be necessary in the room becauseselected signals can be electrically coupled to the electricalconductors while other selected services could be optically coupled tothe optical conductor. Additionally, the data line module or anadditional panel may incorporate hardware and/or software to be utilizedas a firewall for protection of a local area network within thepremises. These modules or similar modules may also incorporate smartdevice controls for allowing either wireless or wired control ofappliances or control of other systems such as a security system or HVACsystem or lighting system within the home. Any of the described modulesor a separate module may also incorporate a surge supressor forproviding signal protection services throughout the system.

Turning now to FIG. 5 the electrical arrangement of the distributionpanel 40 is shown schematically. This electrical arrangement ispreferably accomplished utilizing a printed circuit board for connectingthrough holes receiving pins from each of the electrical connectors 44,45, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 mounted on the board. Each input connector 44 iscapable of receiving either a single telephone line or a plurality oftelephone lines designated as line 1,line 2,line 3 etc. Theinterconnection arrangement shows that the input connector 44 isconnected to one half of each of the module connectors 45, 52, 54. Eachof the module connectors 45, 52, 54 consists of the first input half forreceiving traces from the input connector 44 and a second output halffor connection to a respective output connector 46, 48, 50. Insertion ofa module 70, 80, 90 therefore provides a bridge between the first inputhalf and the second output half of the module connector 45, 52, 54. Itshould be understood however that each module 70, 80, 90 may selectivelyconnect pins on the first input half to selected pins on the secondoutput half. Each module 70, 80, 90 is therefore coded and configuredfor connection of the desired input to the desired output.Distinguishing visual features may be applied to each module so that theuser understands which module will pass which desired input, for exampleline 1,line 2,etc. to the output connector 46, 48, 50.

Referring to FIG. 6, the video distribution panel 100 is shown. Thispanel 100 is configured to a have tongue 156 and groove 158 featuresalong with mounting openings 160. It is configured to receive video oraudio inputs at input connector 102 into a splitter 104 for distributionto a plurality of output connectors 106. The video signal is received atthe input connector from one of the connectors 92 on the front face 94of the video module 90 within the distribution panel 40. Second outputconnectors 108 serve to connect output 106 to cables within thedistribution network to rooms in the premises. Various video componentssuch as amplifiers or modulators may be placed in the circuit betweenoutput connectors 106 and 108 or may be hard wired therein eliminatingthe need for either connectors 106 or connectors 108. Alternatively,such components including amplifiers, modulators, filters or other videocomponents may be placed within the video module 90. Video signals mayflow bidirectionally through this circuit arrangement. For example,video signals may be generated throughout various rooms within thepremises and pass from a respective row through a structured wiringnetwork into the video module 90 and then to the video distributionpanel 100 for redistribution to all rooms within the network.Alternatively, video source signals may enter from a service entranceinto the distribution panel 40 and then passed through a video module 90to the video distribution panel 100 for further distribution to eachroom in the premises. Alternatively, if the video distribution module 90includes active components to for a modulator, video signals may beinput directly to the module 90 without passing through the videodistribution panel 100. Distribution through the premises may beaccomplished utilizing unshielded twisted pair cable, coaxial cable orother suitable video signal conductors.

FIG. 7 shows a central distribution system according to the presentinvention whereby the video distribution panel 100 described above withreference to FIG. 6 and the distribution panel 40 described above withreference to FIG. 2 are interconnected utilizing the tongue and groovefeatures. Additionally, a data distribution panel 200 is similarlyjoined to the distribution panel 40. The data distribution panel 200 ispreferably a hub or other suitable data distribution device for a datanetwork. The data distribution device is connectable to the receptacle73 of a data line module 70 to facilitate bidirectional datacommunications between the data service input at a hub or other suitabledata distribution device and the rooms of a promises. This circuitextends first from the hub then through the cable to a desired data linemodule 70, then through a selected module connector 45, 52, 54 to aselected output connector 46, 48, 50.

Another alternative module which is not shown is a security module. Thesecurity module is connectable in a module receiving section 47, 49, 51and is capable of connecting to a security panel through a connector onit's front face and also capable of seizing line 1 when the securitypanel detects a security breach. This security module may also be linkedto smart devices such as lighting controls or other sensors in thepremises to detect a security breach. It may also receive input fromremote control devices such as a personal wireless emergency calldevice.

In operation, the user identifies an output connector 46, 48, 50associated with a given room or receptacle within the room of apremises. The user then decides which service, for example telephoneline 1 or line 2, data, or video, is to be passed to the selected room.The coded module 70, 80, 90 for the selected service is simply insertedinto the module receiving section 47,49, 51 associated with the desiredoutput connector 46, 48, 50 associated with the selected room tocomplete the installation. If the user later decides to change theservice being passed to the selected room, they simply change the modulein the appropriate module receiving section 47,49, 51 to supply the newdesired service to that room.

An advantage of the present invention is that by simply changing amodule, a user may redirect selected services to selected rooms within apremises without the need for any re-wiring or re-termination of wireswithin the structured wiring network. Since each module is easilyinsertable and removable from its appropriate module receiving section,the reconfiguration of the system may be accomplished by a homeownerwithout the need for additional technical assistance.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope andspirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoingdescription be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and thatthe scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together withtheir full range of equivalents.

1. A signal distribution system having a structured wiring networkextending between rooms of a premises and connected to a centraldistribution unit capable of receiving a plurality of services fromoutside or inside the premises, the system comprising: a centraldistribution panel having at least one input electrical connector forreceiving a service, a plurality of output connectors each beingconnected to a respective conductor terminated in a room of thepremises, and a central region having a plurality of module receivingconnectors each having a first set of conductors connected to the inputelectrical connector and a second set of conductors connected to arespective output connector; and, a plurality of modules each configuredto connect selected ones of the first set of conductors to selected onesof the second set of conductors and each being securable in the centralregion to pass selected ones of the services to selected ones of theoutput connectors being connected to one of the rooms within thepremises, at least one of the modules being a surge suppressor modulefor providing signal protection services throughout the system.
 2. Thesignal distribution system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a telephone line one module for connecting telephone line onefrom the first set of conductors to selected ones of the second set ofconductors.
 3. The signal distribution system of claim 1 wherein theplurality of modules comprises a telephone line two module forconnecting telephone line two from the first set of conductors toselected ones of the second set of conductors.
 4. The signaldistribution system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a telephone line three module for connecting telephone linethree from the first set of conductors to selected ones of the secondset of conductors.
 5. The signal distribution system of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of modules comprises a telephone line four module forconnecting telephone line four from the first set of conductors toselected ones of the second set of conductors.
 6. The signaldistribution system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a video line module for connecting video signals from thefirst set of conductors to selected ones of the second set ofconductors.
 7. The signal distribution system of claim 6 wherein thevideo line module comprises a mating connector on a rear face and areceptacle connector on a front face.
 8. The signal distribution systemof claim 1 wherein the plurality of modules comprises a data line modulefor connecting data signals from the first set of conductors to selectedones of the second set of conductors.
 9. The signal distribution systemof claim 8 wherein the data line module comprises a mating connector ona rear face and a receptacle connector on a front face.
 10. The signaldistribution system of claim 7 further comprising a video distributionpanel for passing a plurality of video signals from the video linemodule front face connector to the structured wiring network.
 11. Thesignal distribution system of claim 9 further comprising a datadistribution panel for passing a plurality of data signals from the dataline module front face connector to the structured wiring network.
 12. Acentral distribution panel receiving a plurality of services at an inputand having a plurality of outputs each connected to an outlet at aremote location the distribution panel comprising: a central regionhaving a plurality of module receiving connectors each having a firstportion connected to the input and a second portion connected to one ofthe plurality of outlets; and, a plurality of modules, each beingconnectable to a respective module receiving connector and configured tobridge a selected service from the first portion to the second portionfor sending a selected service to a selected.
 13. The centraldistribution panel of claim 12 wherein one of the plurality of modulesfurther comprises a front face connector for passing a signal from thefirst portion through the front face of the module.
 14. A signaldistribution system having a structured wiring network extending betweenrooms of a premises and connected to a central distribution unit capableof receiving a plurality of services from outside the premises, thesystem comprising: a central distribution panel having at least oneinput for receiving a service; a plurality of outputs each beingconnected to a respective conductor terminated in a room of thepremises; and a central region having a plurality of module receivingconnectors each having a first set of conductors connected to the inputand a second set of conductors connected to a respective output; and, aplurality of modules each configured to connect selected ones of thefirst set of conductors to selected ones of the second set of conductorsand each being securable in the central region to pass selected ones ofthe services to the selected ones of the outputs being connected to oneof the rooms within the premises at least one of the modules being anelectronic module for providing sensing and control services throughoutthe system.
 15. The signal distribution system of claim 14 wherein theservices are provided over a communications medium.
 16. The signaldistribution system of claim 15 wherein the medium is an opticalcommunications link.
 17. The signal distribution system of claim 15wherein the medium is a wireless communications link.
 18. The signaldistribution system of claim 15 wherein the medium is an electricallink.
 19. The signal distribution system of claim 15 wherein theplurality of modules comprises a telephone line one module forconnecting telephone line one from the first set of conductors toselected ones of the second set of conductors.
 20. The signaldistribution system of claim 15 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a telephone line two module for connecting telephone line twofrom the first set of conductors to selected ones of the second set ofconductors.
 21. The signal distribution system of claim 15 wherein theplurality of modules comprises a telephone line three module forconnecting telephone line three from the first set of conductors toselected ones of the second set of conductors.
 22. The signaldistribution system of claim 15 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a telephone line four module for connecting telephone linefour from the first set of conductors to selected ones of the second setof conductors.
 23. The signal distribution system of claim 15 whereinthe plurality of modules comprises a video line module for connectingvideo signals from the first set of conductors to selected ones of thesecond set of conductors.
 24. The signal distribution system of claim 23wherein the video line module comprises a mating connector on a rearface and a receptacle connector on a front face.
 25. The signaldistribution system of claim 15 wherein the plurality of modulescomprises a data line module for connecting data signals from the firstset of conductors to selected ones of the second set of conductors. 26.The signal distribution system of claim 25 wherein the data line modulecomprises a mating connector on a rear face and a receptacle connectoron a front face.
 27. The signal distribution system of claim 25 furthercomprising a video distribution panel for passing a plurality of videosignals from the video line module front face connector to thestructured wiring network.
 28. The signal distribution system of claim27 further comprising a data distribution panel for passing a pluralityof data signals from the data line module front face connector to thestructured wiring network.
 29. The signal distribution of claim 14wherein the plurality of modules comprises a combination module forcombining a plurality of services provided at the input into a combinedsignal at the output connector being connected to one of the roomswithin the premises.